BirminghamLive brings you the Aston Villa headlines on Thursday, November 27
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery(Image: SmartFrame/SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
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Daily Aston Villa digest - November 25, 2025
Villa predicted XI vs Young Boys
Rotation is Expected: Due to a congested fixture list, with Aston Villa set to play six matches in 17 days, manager Unai Emery is likely to make changes to the starting lineup.
Ollie Watkins Fitness Concern: Striker Ollie Watkins has been dealing with a recent fitness issue, suggesting that Donyell Malen is predicted to start and lead the line instead.
Jadon Sancho to Start: On loan winger Jadon Sancho is predicted to start in the attack, possibly operating wide of Emi Buendía in the No. 10 role.
Key Defensive and Midfield Changes: The predicted starting XI includes changes in defence and midfield, with Victor Lindelöf and Ian Maatsen coming into the defence, and Lamare Bogarde partnering Ross Barkley in the midfield.
Impact of Result: If Aston Villa defeat Young Boys, they will be in a strong position to secure a top-eight spot in the Europa League ahead of their remaining league-phase matches.
Kaio Jorge speaks about his future
Target Identified: Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Cruzeiro striker Kaio Jorge.
Impressive Form: The 23-year-old Brazilian striker has scored 21 goals in 32 appearances in the Brasileiro this season, including a run of four goals in his last two league matches.
Contract Situation: Jorge is currently under contract with Cruzeiro until 2028, and the Brazilian club is rumoured to be looking to offer him improved terms.
Open to Europe: The player confirmed he is happy at Cruzeiro but admitted he would be "lying" if he said no to an offer from a European club.
Potential January Move: Jorge has left the "door open" for a move to Europe, with the January transfer window approaching and Aston Villa among the clubs monitoring his performance.
Onana fit to face Young Boys
Amadou Onana's Return to Training: Midfielder Amadou Onana has returned to training at Bodymoor Heath.
Previous Absence Explained: Onana missed Aston Villa's recent 2-1 win over Leeds United at Elland Road after failing a late fitness test.
Origin of Fitness Issue: The fitness issue originated after Onana returned from international duty, having played for Belgium in Kazakhstan but missing their subsequent match against Liechtenstein as a precaution.
Lone Confirmed Absentee: With Onana's return, Tyrone Mings is now the only confirmed absentee for the match.
Emery hints at Elliott decision
Potential January Decision: Unai Emery acknowledged that Aston Villa could face a decision regarding Harvey Elliott's future when the January transfer window opens.
Focus on Current Matches: Emery stated that the club is currently focused on the current run of fixtures and is "not thinking about the transfer window in January" yet.
Obligation to Buy Clause: Elliott, who is on loan from Liverpool, has only made five appearances. If he plays 10 matches, Villa is obliged to pay £35 million to sign him permanently, which is the context for the transfer discussion.
Reason for Absence: Emery explained that the primary reason Elliott is not playing more is due to the fact that "other players performing very well."
Still a Valued Player: Emery affirmed that Elliott "is one of our players," is training well every day, and expressed hope that he can help the team, with a final decision to be made later.
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Konsa renewal not urgent
Contract Status Question: Unai Emery was asked if Aston Villa intended to offer Ezri Konsa a new contract, as the club had recently extended the deals of several other key players.
Emery's "Agent" Joke: Emery's comedic response came when a reporter informed him that Konsa's current deal runs until 2028. Emery replied, "2028? You are his agent! The other players [who signed up], they were finishing sooner. 2028? That’s so long."
Long-Term Security: The core of the joke is that Konsa's existing contract, signed in September 2023, is already considered long-term (until 2028), meaning there is no current urgency for an extension.
Key Player Role: Despite the lack of urgency for a new deal, Konsa is recognised as a key player under Emery, having started almost all of Villa's Premier League matches this season.
Contract Flurry Context: Recent contract extensions for players like Tyrone Mings, Boubacar Kamara, and John McGinn were primarily driven by their previous deals expiring sooner than Konsa's.